Seborrheic Dermatitis and Conditions Affecting the Scalp

Scalp problems  and dermatitis are often very common place.  Many are simply annoying, but some are very itchy and even painful at times.  Scalp conditions are often chronic and require long term care.    Here are some more common scalp conditions: 

• Dandruff
• Seborrheic Dermatitis
• Seborrhea
• Psoriasis

Dandruff comes to mind first when thinking about problems with the scalp.  In its mild form dandruff is itchy with a small amount of white flakes.  However, it can be worse.  Large amounts of flakes may become stuck together in mounds on the head.    

Seborrheic dermatitis is another common scalp condition. Greasy yellow colored scales form covering red inflamed skin on the scalp.  This condition is usually very itchy and uncomfortable.  It is hard for most people to resist scratching which causes inflammation and infection. When infants suffer from seborrheic dermatitis it is called cradle cap.  It is usual for adults to get this condition between thirty and sixty.   It may affect other areas such as the forehead, face and ears.   

When the scalp becomes excessively oily it is often due to a scalp condition called seborrhea.  The sebum gland is where the oil on the scalp is produced. The scalp must have oil to be healthy, but too much oil will lead to problems.  The sebum gland tends to overproduce more often in teens than it does in older adults.     

Psoriasis is a condition affecting many parts of the body and often including the scalp.   It is characterized by dry silvery patches that look powder and have very dry scaly skin.  It will usually be present on other areas of the body as well, but not always.  Psoriasis can also affect the bone joints.       

These can be treated successfully by creating a balanced healthy scalp.  It is a mistake to use products with a lot of chemicals.  Harsh chemicals dry the scalp too much and can actually make the condition worse.  There are natural ingredients that have shown to regulating the sebum gland.  If the sebum gland is working correctly the scalp will be balanced and fight off bacteria as well as many other condition.  Zinc is a natural regulator of the sebum gland and jojoba oil, and emu oil  promote a healthy scalp and add moisture to the hair and scalp.